MassVoter.com← Somerville City CouncilSomerville City Council · 2024–2025 Council · Regular meeting
November 14, 2024
48 recorded votes, 48 with disagreement.
Sources: Official minutes (PDF) · Meeting video · City meeting page
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Note on these minutes: Called to order by Ward Seven City Councilor Judy Pineda Neufeld. Wilfred Mbah arrived late (7:19 PM).
Present: Willie Burnley, Wilfred Mbah, Kristen Strezo, Jake Wilson, Matthew McLaughlin, J.T. Scott, Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Naima Sait, Lance Davis, Judy Pineda Neufeld
Absent: None
Every vote, in order
Minutes #24-1619
Approve the minutes of the October 10, 2024 regular meeting
Approval of the Minutes of the Regular Meeting of October 10, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1591
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the redesign plan for the Kennedy School front playground
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1592
That the Director of Mobility install a raised crosswalk at the intersection of Cedar Street and the Community Path
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #24-1611
That the Administration, in its capacity as owner and landlord of The Armory, ensure that all tenants of the facility are offered legal leases or licenses
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1593
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide an update on the condition of the Somerville High School building exterior tiles
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1594
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a timeline and update for installation of a new classroom on the third-floor atrium at the Argenziano School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1595
That the Director of Infrastructure and Asset Management provide a timeline and update on the creation of a production kitchen at the Argenziano School
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1596
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information on the procurement and installation of window blinds for certain classrooms at Somerville High School that have unobstructed views from...
That the Commissioner of Public Works provide information on the procurement and installation of window blinds for certain classrooms at Somerville High School that have unobstructed views from the hallways and need blinds in order to conduct lockdown procedures.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #24-1597
That the Administration provide an update to this Council on the Citywide Parking and Curb Use report and what recommendations, if any, have been implemented
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #24-1603
That the Administration work to establish a Language Access Ordinance to codify constituents’ right to timely, meaningful, and culturally competent language access services
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1607
That the Director of Mobility re-evaluate and strengthen the NO TRUCKS signage at the corner of Warren Avenue and Bow Street in the aftermath of the 18-wheeler that became seriously stuck and...
That the Director of Mobility re-evaluate and strengthen the NO TRUCKS signage at the corner of Warren Avenue and Bow Street in the aftermath of the 18-wheeler that became seriously stuck and blocked traffic on November 10-11, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1609
That the Director of Engineering update this Council on the timeline to straighten the community path crossing of School Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1610
That the Director of Mobility install bicycle traffic lights and appropriate YIELD TO PEDESTRIANS signage at the intersection of Somerville Avenue and Park Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #24-1608
That the Administration provide this Council with a comprehensive status update of all Veterans Monuments affected by the construction and renovations around the High School complex
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Committee Report #24-1586
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 29, 2024
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on October 29, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1605
Accept the report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 13, 2024
Report of the Special Committee on Charter Review, meeting as a Committee of the Whole on November 13, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1590
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 12, 2024
Report of the Committee on Public Health and Public Safety, meeting on November 12, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1413 (report of the Public Health and Public Safety Committee)
That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure...
That the Director of Inspectional Services submit a written report of outstanding 311 requests submitted for the Edgerly School building and provide an update to this Council with a plan to ensure that staff and students have safe and appropriate facilities.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Committee Report #24-1587
Accept the report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 30, 2024
Report of the Committee on Public Utilities and Public Works, meeting on October 30, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1585
Accept the report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2024
Report of the Special Committee on School Building Facilities and Maintenance, meeting on October 28, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1548 (report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee)
That the Commissioner of Public Works work with the Superintendent of Schools to present a plan to re-introduce composting in the schools
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1549 (report of the School Building Facilities and Maintenance Special Committee)
That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure that all information relating to the schedule for, including any closures of, the Ginny Smithers pool be communicated to pool users and updated on...
That the Director of Parks and Recreation ensure that all information relating to the schedule for, including any closures of, the Ginny Smithers pool be communicated to pool users and updated on the Parks and Recreation and general city websites.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Committee Report #24-1588
Accept the report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 4, 2024
Report of the Committee on Traffic and Parking, meeting on November 4, 2024.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1600
Requesting approval of an exemption for Elyse Best as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(d)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1601
Requesting approval of an exemption for Ingrid Schneider as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(d)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1563
Requesting confirmation of the re-appointment of Alan Bishop as Constable
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Communication #24-1614
Conveying an update on water and sewer rate restructuring
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Officer's Communication #24-1551
Chief Assessor requesting to appear at this Council's November 26, 2024 meeting for the Tax Classification Public Hearing and the determination and adoption of tax levy percentages for FY 2025
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1581
New Sign/Awning License, JMC/STM/TGCI Union Square I LLC, 346 Somerville Avenue, 2 signs
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1561
Transferring Taxi Medallion License, from Cinema Taxi to Jean B. Victor for Medallion #85
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1564
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Broadway Motor Cars, 161 Broadway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1582
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc, 480 Columbia Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1583
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 3 License, Nissenbaum Auto Parts Inc, 0 Windsor Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1616
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Real Auto Shop, Inc., 463 McGrath Highway
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
License #24-1615
Renewing Used Car Dealer Class 2 License, Webster Auto Sales, 61 Prospect Street
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1565
Kinsey Scales applying for a Public Event License for Kinsey Scales Fall Concert on November 17 from 12pm to 3pm (raindate November 24)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1567
BA Event Promotions applying for a Public Event License for Jingle Bell 5K Run/Walk on December 15 from 6am to 1:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Public Event #24-1568
Somerville Museum applying for a Public Event License for Jan 1 Flag Raising Ceremony on January 1 from 8am to 2:30pm
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Citation #24-1628
Commending Dagmara Wozniak for her Olympic success and continued fencing legacy
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1624
That the Director of Human Resources address the actions the Administration has taken to adopt the recommendations of RESPOND, per item #24-0458, to support survivors of domestic and sexual violence
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1625
That the Director of Human Resources update this Council on efforts to establish an expanded municipal Paid Family and Medical Leave policy, based on the Commonwealth's program
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Order #24-1630
That the Director of Racial and Social Justice ensure that the Commission for Persons with Disabilities has an assigned note taker
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Resolution #24-1626
To keep Massachusetts Healthy Incentives Program (HIP)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Resolution #24-1627
In support of local social workers
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Order #24-1637
That the Director of Water and Sewer appear before this Council to discuss recent extended outages in Ward 2 and mitigation plans for future work
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the minutes
“RESULT: APPROVED AND SENT FOR DISCUSSION.”
Mayor's Request #24-1622
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $34,000 from the FY 2025 Property Tax Levy to the Department of Public Works Buildings, Rental Buildings Account for the rental of Porta Potties for the...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $34,000 from the FY 2025 Property Tax Levy to the Department of Public Works Buildings, Rental Buildings Account for the rental of Porta Potties for the Warming Center.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1623
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $30,000 from the FY 2025 Property Tax Levy to the Health & Human Services, Professional & Technical Service Account for the procurement of additional...
Requesting a supplemental appropriation of $30,000 from the FY 2025 Property Tax Levy to the Health & Human Services, Professional & Technical Service Account for the procurement of additional security services for the Warming Center.
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
Mayor's Request #24-1602
Requesting approval of an exemption for Murshid Buwembo as required by Massachusetts General Law Chapter 268A, Section 20(d)
The minutes give the result only, with no count, so MassVoter does not show how each councilor voted.
From the Somerville City Council’s official minutes, posted on the city’s Legistar meeting calendar (July 2022 on) and its older meeting portal (2010 to mid-2022), both linked from the City Council page on somervillema.gov. We check every vote against the councilors present and quote the exact wording. MassVoter never grades or scores officials. Councilor photos: City of Somerville (somervillema.gov) official headshots for Ben Ewen-Campen, Jesse Clingan, Lance Davis, Wilfred Mbah, Naima Sait, J.T. Scott and Kristen Strezo; The Somerville Times (thesomervilletimes.com) for Emily Hardt, Jon Link, Matthew McLaughlin and Ben Wheeler. Former councilors show initials.
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